Holiday Destinations

Highlands & Islands

It’s an amazing concoction of culture, history, architecture and unparalleled scenery. Think big skies, mind blowing landscapes, superb food and hospitable locals– it really doesn’t get any better if you want to escape and unwind.

Let the dramatic Highlands weave their magic…

Lose yourself in the majestic mountains and mysterious lochs as you journey through this beautiful land. The views are simply jaw dropping. Pass through Britain’s largest National Park, witness dolphins frolicking off the Moray Coast, walk in the shadow of Britain’s highest peak, Ben Nevis, or explore the stunning islands and stretches of coastline. And if you haven’t heard of Loch Ness, Scotland’s most famous loch…oh boy, you’re in for a treat…

Hold on tight and take a deep breath…

The natural playground of the Highlands begs to be explored and the region is a magnet for thrill seekers. It’s no wonder – Fort William has been dubbed the ‘Outdoor Capital of the UK’. Host of the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup, here you can enjoy world class mountain trails or pick from sports across the Highlands such as fishing, golf, sea kayaking, white-water rafting, gorge walking, Munro bagging, snow-sports and much more – the choice is yours.

Touching the past…

There’s a haunting air of mystery that cloaks the Highlands, and the region’s turbulent history has left behind some of the most beautiful and romantic castles in the world. From Dunvegan Castle on Skye and Brodie Castle in Moray to the Castle of Mey in the North Highlands – they really are as magnificent as people say. But it’s not only castles, although they are pretty amazing. Visit the Glencoe Visitor Centre to learn about the infamous massacre, see the Glenfinnan Monument, a tribute to the history of the Jacobite uprisings, or stop at the Highland Archive centre to research your roots.

Why not go further afield to some of our breathtaking islands…

The area has been popular with travellers since Queen Victoria’s Day, and the expansion of air routes, improved road and rail links have made access to the islands in the region easier than in her day. Today you can easily reach Stornoway, Kirkwall and Sumburgh from Inverness for a day trip. For more information visit www.hial.co.uk

VisitScotland provides a wealth of information on the Highlands and Islands of Scotland.

Italy

Spend a week on the celebrated Neapolitan Riviera, one of the Mediterranean’s most alluring holiday destinations. Enjoy delightful Sorrento and discover a region rich in history and culture on four wonderful guided excursions. Take a tour around the lively streets and squares of Naples, sail across the bay to the “Island of Dreams”, follow the twists and turns of the dizzying Amalfi Drive and step into the past at Pompeii’s startling ruins.

Combine three nights in Rome with four nights in Sorrento. Explore Italy’s rich history as we visit the Vatican, the monastery at Monte Cassino and the ancient streets of Pompeii. Then relax into the gentle rhythms of everyday life alongside the Bay of Naples.

Take in the often overlooked delights of Italy’s sun-kissed southern “high heel” on this unique and delightful escorted tour. After a night in Caserta, head east to the blue Adriatic and discover the caves at Matera, stunning hill-town Ostuni, Alberobello and Lecce. Heading up the coast, via historic Bari, spend two nights on the very tip of the spectacular Gargano peninsula, in Vieste.

Join us for a wonderful week on Italy’s Amalfi Coast. Stay in the pretty beachside resort of Maiori, wander the cobbled lanes of Amalfi, Positano and Ravello and follow the coast around the Bay of Naples to Sorrento and the ancient ruins of Pompeii.

Jersey

Largest of the Channel Islands, and the most southerly place in the British Isles, Jersey is an Island of contrasts. Situated just 14 miles from the French coast, the continental influence is undeniable, yet the language, currency and short flight time make British visitors feel right at home. French named streets are home to British high street favourites, and restaurants are as likely to serve moules frites as they are a traditional Sunday roast.

As an Island shaped by the sea, arriving by air affords holidaymakers a first glimpse of the varied landscape of this 45 square mile paradise. Towering cliffs dominate the north coast, whilst lush valleys and verdant countryside gives way to wide sandy beaches and tranquil sheltered bays. Jersey enjoys one of the largest tidal ranges in the world, with the Island doubling in size at each low tide, leaving almost 2 miles of exposed seabed in some places.

Small on size but big on personality, Jersey has something to delight everyone. Holidaymakers can delve into the Island’s fascinating history at a medieval castle, get up close with endangered species at internationally renowned Jersey Zoo, walk with Dinosaurs at Tamba Park, or pay a visit to Jersey War Tunnels and discover what wartime life was like for Islanders under German occupation. Absorbing and varied visitor attractions sit side by side with picturesque harbour villages, seafront promenades and leafy winding country lanes.

The activities available to visitors encompass all interests, ages and abilities, from a guided tour aboard a vintage coach to an exhilarating high speed RIB trip along the coast. Thrill seekers can join a jet-ski safari, take a kite-surf lesson or even walk the high wire at Creepy Valley aerial assault course.

Colour is added to island life with a programme of events taking place throughout the year and encompassing musical concerts, cultural festivals celebrating the diverse communities who have made Jersey their home, and food festivals saluting the local land and sea produce that Jersey is famous for. The largest and most well-known of these events is the Battle of Flowers which takes place the second week of August each year and sees local teams both large and small enter spectacular flower covered floats into the carnival-style parade in hopes of landing the coveted “Prix D’honneur” award.

Just two hours from Inverness by air, flights depart each Saturday until the 9th September 2017. Holiday packages can be individually tailored with a wide range of accommodation from unique self-catering properties to luxurious hotels.

Majorca

Just think about not having to travel to Aberdeen, Glasgow or Edinburgh to catch a flight. No overnight stay required. Travel from Inverness Airport and be door to door and on the beach in a matter of hours. Bliss. Majorca is world renowned for its beautiful coastline offering travellers some of Europe’s most stunning coves and beaches.

Thomson are offering flights and holidays direct from Inverness to Majorca, for 6 weeks beginning on Friday 15 June 2018 until Friday 20 July 2018.

Flights depart from Inverness at 10:05 and arrive back at 09:25

There are a range of holiday options to suit all budgets, with self-catering for 7 nights starting from just £542 per person (based on 2 adults sharing). Resorts include Santa Ponsa, Alcudia and Cala d’Or.